What a difference to wake up and it was not raining, and so after lunch I decided to have a quick visit to Calke Abbey and make the best of the sun and any opportunities to test the camera. On arriving I could see some Deer in the paddock next to the car park so out of the car and get some images of these beautiful creatures. after this I spent some time in the hide next to the car park and was the told of a new hide adjacent to the children's adventure area so had to go out of the park area and go back round to the main entrance as the roadways inside the park are one way, at least I didn't have to pay again.
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| Red Deer Stag. None of the deer came very close but at least everything appears very sharp with the camera. |
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| The largest Red Deer Stag. This magnificent Stag would not turn head on and walk towards me, but I still had to take this image, what a set of antlers. |
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Another Red Deer Stag. This One carrying a broken antler from the rut |
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A mixture of Red deer and Fallow females. |
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| A mixture of Deer. These were about 1000 metres away with Fallow Deer Stags amongst the females. |
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This pair of red Deer Stags again would not turn towards me.
I I THEN WENT INTO THE HIDE ADJACENT TO THE CAR PARK.
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| Robin. One of several of these delightful little birds that visited the area. |
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Blue Tit These were visiting the feeders continuously.
I THEN CHANGED HIDES AND VISITED THE NEW HIDE BY THE ADVENTURE AREA.
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| Blue Tit. It seemed where ever I went Blue Tit were about. |
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Coal Tit again visiting the feeders. I did not stay long in the hide as it started to cloud over. |
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Another Coal Tit heading for the feeders. 
Long Tailed Tits.
This pair arrived and found a fatball on the floor.
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Great Tit.
Again heading to the feeders,
I THEN DECIDED TO HAVE ANOTHER VISIT WITH THE RED KITES , ON ARRIVING AT THE SITE THE WIND WAS VERY STRONG SO IT SHOULD SLOW THE BIRDS DOWN.
Having sat an devoured my packed lunch I started watching the birds circling in when an elderly gent arrived on his bike, he was apparently delivering the village news letter, he however asked me if I wanted to get closer to the Kites and said to follow him into the village but said not close as I tend to fall off my bike when I stop!!! needless to say I staid well away, On arriving in the village luckily he remained on his bike , , showed me the footpath and said go down the footpath and you will be in Arthur's garden where he feeds the Kites, and got on his way delivering his news letters, a really lovely gent but he said please don't tell anyone else. So I walked down the footpath between two houses, climbed over a stile and entered Arthur's garden where he feeds the kites, this area extends to some five hectares with a reasonable amount of the birds flying around. The only mistake I made was to leave my tripod in the car so all the images I am hand holding this very heavy lens, next time I wont forget it.
Kestrel.
Just up the road from the footpath sitting on an electric cable.
Red Kite on the ground.
On getting into the garden I found several birds on the ground, which in itself
is unusual. 
A Corvid then decided to start and dive bomb them.
 
It then made the mistake of landing and was quickly moved on by the two extra Kites
that landed below.  
Numerous birds were flying about and calling all the time.
Initially the bird kept a good distance from me, I would say this bird was 150 metres away,.
This bird came that bit closer to about 100 metres.
It was a very windy afternoon and I was getting buffeted by the wind but it certainly slowed the Kites down and made it easier to follow them.
  
This bird came the closest but then flew behind a tree before I managed some close images.
  I hope you have enjoyed your visit as much as I did in the getting of these images, it appears the adjustments to the lens seating ring ion the camera has sorted the focusing issues. |
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteThere's no rain and there's sunshine! Oh, what luck. The wind and the rain don't stop in France.
The photos are beautiful in this light. The flight of the kites is beautiful. A little blur sometimes but there is very nice sharpness too.
Good health and nice day.
Hi Nathalie
DeleteYes at last we had some sunshine for a change and I managed to get out whilst it was with us. hopefully my camera problems are over. I wish you some wind and rain free days.
All the Best,
John
Hello John
ReplyDeletefinally no rain but a dry day with a little sun :-) You have been able to photograph the deer very nicely and I always like these antlers :-) They look like noble and fallow deer, but a very large group.
Great to see the birds. I can never resist a robin and the blue tit looks so good on it too :-))))) I also hope to meet the black tit so now I have to enjoy it with you for so long ;-) Kestrel is there Sip on and then the red kite again. Really beautiful images.
Think carefully about yourself John.
Greetings, Helma
Hi Helma,
DeleteI enjoy some visits to Calke with the Deer, as you say they are such noble creatures, and like you I cannot resist a Robin. The Red Kites have been a real joy yo watch.
You look after yourself,
All the best,
John
Hi Helma,
DeleteI enjoy some visits to Calke with the Deer, as you say they are such noble creatures, and like you I cannot resist a Robin. The Red Kites have been a real joy yo watch.
You look after yourself,
All the best,
John
Hello John, I understand you had some problems with your camera. Your test show some great results. Love ofcourse the Red Kites the best. Some wonderful photos indeed!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
Hi Roos,
DeleteAs you say i had some camera issues that are hopefully all passed with such positive results on my tests. I have found the Red Kites so enjoyable to watch, beautiful birds indeed.
All the best,
John
Beautiful John, sitting, standing and flying, fabulous sight.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob,
DeleteCertainly was a fabulous sight, hope to catch them dancing rhis week.
All the best,
John
Each and every one, a fantastic image John. Thank you so much for sharing them. I can feel your joy getting out after all the rain. Happy to hear it stopped finally :)
ReplyDeleteHi Denise,
DeleteWonderful to get out and not get soaked, mind its been raining again today and the river levels are again rising, and it looks as if people are going to get flooded yet again poor souls, I cannot imagine how they must feel
All the best,
John
I seem to have missed this one John. You certainly have kept yourself busy, well done good selection considering the weather. Mike.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
DeleteMade the best of the available dry weather, Calke is not far from home for me.
All the best,
John
The antlers on those stags are impressive, John. They should have no difficulty in impressing the does! As always, your flight shots of the Red Kites are superb. What a graceful subject for your camera!
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteThe largest Stag is such an impressive animal,The Red Kites are a subject I enjoy watching, even more so in the area
I have been introduced to and in such numbers.
All the best.
John